Functions of Management
ABSTRACT This is an arrangement paper that was compiled by several students attending the University of Phoenix online classroom. This paper elaborates on the four functions of management. In order for an organization to survive, each of these functions is critical. Comprehensive understanding of each of the four functions is also necessary. This paper also identifies and presents operational illustrations of the four basic functions. It emphasizes the need to perform each of these management functions efficiently and effectively in order to create a sustainable competitive advantage for a company. Without properly utilizing these tools, the organization could be headed down a road doomed to failure.
General Motors: Functions of Management INTRODUCTION
General Motors Corporation (GM) one of the world 's largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 252,000 people in every major region of the world. They also sell and services vehicles in some 140 countries (GM, 2009). GM employs the four functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Their collective purpose is to promote success and achieve organizational goals. If correctly applied an organization can create worth, influence skills of individual contributors, and promote learning and development. In addition, it ensures leaders are overseeing performance and assessing efforts so success can be measured. Successful management depends on the application of its four functions. Each function is equally important to the whole. They are necessary because goals are determined, action is made easy and performance is evaluated. GM has also recognized internal and external factors that need to be evaluated to ensure desired goals. Factors such as globalization, technology, innovation, diversity, and ethics need to be considered for each function of management. We
General Motors: Functions of Management INTRODUCTION
General Motors Corporation (GM) one of the world 's largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 252,000 people in every major region of the world. They also sell and services vehicles in some 140 countries (GM, 2009). GM employs the four functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Their collective purpose is to promote success and achieve organizational goals. If correctly applied an organization can create worth, influence skills of individual contributors, and promote learning and development. In addition, it ensures leaders are overseeing performance and assessing efforts so success can be measured. Successful management depends on the application of its four functions. Each function is equally important to the whole. They are necessary because goals are determined, action is made easy and performance is evaluated. GM has also recognized internal and external factors that need to be evaluated to ensure desired goals. Factors such as globalization, technology, innovation, diversity, and ethics need to be considered for each function of management. We